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Somalian blind catfish (Uegitglanis zammaranoi) — Clariidae

Somalian blind catfish

Uegitglanis zammaranoi
Family: Clariidae

The Somalian blind catfish (Uegitglanis zammaranoi) is a freshwater fish of the family Clariidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10.1 cm
Water
Freshwater
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Somalian blind catfish is a cave catfish (Clariidae) endemic to underground waters and wells of Somalia in East Africa. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate, scaleless, unpigmented, almost white body without functional eyes, with barbels, adapted to life in complete darkness. It feels for small invertebrates and organic matter with its barbels. Through its very restricted range the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Somalian blind catfish?

The Somalian blind catfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.

Where does the Somalian blind catfish live?

The Somalian blind catfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Somalian blind catfish get?

The Somalian blind catfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Somalian blind catfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Somalian blind catfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Somalische blinde meerval sourced
English name
Somalian blind catfish sourced
Scientific name
Uegitglanis zammaranoi
Family
Clariidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Clariidae

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